Broadcasting refers to the distribution of audio and visual content to a dispersed audience via electronic mass communication mediums. This typically includes the transmission of television and radio programs over the airwaves, satellite, or cable systems. Broadcasting serves as a means of delivering news, entertainment, educational content, and other types of information to the public.
The process involves creating content that is then sent out in a signal format that can be received by a wide array of devices, such as radios and televisions. Broadcasting is characterized by its one-to-many communication model, wherein a single source transmits information to multiple recipients simultaneously. This distinguishes it from narrowcasting, which targets specific audiences or individual users.
The industry is typically governed by regulatory bodies that establish guidelines for content, licensing, and frequency use to ensure fair access and minimize interference. Broadcasting has evolved significantly with advancements in technology, leading to digital broadcasting, streaming services, and internet radio, allowing for broader accessibility and varied content delivery methods.